[j_troubadour]

I've heard about tracking your periods for the most optimal times for getting pregnant. Cool. I'll look into it. And yes I trust in God because without him I'd be nothing. I'm a middle school youth pastor so while I don't have a child of my own I feel like I have a big group of kids. Thanks again.

[tawnynkids]

Just some added info: sudden weight loss/gains, starting/stopping exercise routines, bouts of flu or illnesses, can also all trigger changes in your ovulation cycle. I also believe (correct me J9 if I am wrong) that douching can change the ph/acidity in your vagina as well. So these can be factors to beware of. Keep things as normal as possible and have a boat load of fun trying the times that you do and relax the rest of the time. :)

[j_troubadour]

Wow there is a lot that can effect getting pregnant. I'm going to be happy the day I can tell you that I'm expecting. I don't do drugs, if I ever do drink it's minimal and rarely, my life is pretty consistent as far as stress goes. I'm always on the go but I love it that way. To be honest I've never douched so... I don't know if that's good or bad. It seems from the general opinion of the room I won't have any major issues I just need to not listen to all the bogus advice I'm getting and have fun :)

[tawnynkids]

We will be waiting to congratulate you! Like you said it is in God's Hands and oh what trust worthy hands they are! So sit back and give God the stress and in His good timing you will become a mom. God wants us to have the desires of our hearts and He knows the best timing for our lives.

[DoulaLC]

just curious is it easier to get pregnant the second, third, forth, etc. times than the first?

Not really any easier, in fact some women find, to their surprise, that it doesn't always happen as quickly as they would expect after already being pregnant previously. Some women will experience secondary infertility... which is often unexplained.

[DoulaLC]

The pill is really only used when necessary for helping with irregular cycles. As others have said, learn about ways to tell when you are most likely fertile, but keep in mind that many of the ovulation predictor sites do not take into account women who do not ovulate within the norm... and many do not. Can be helpful to add on several days before and after the time frame they give you for likely ovulation according to your periods.
Sex every other day, or every 3 days, is fine and often more feasible for many couples... some enjoy sex a bit more often from time to time, and while it will lower sperm count, unless there is an issue already, it will not lower it enough to fall out of the normal range for the number considered ideal. Sperm are under various stages of production each day. Since most people don't know if there is an issue, and a good portion of the time there is a male component for infertility, every 2-3 days can be wise, with perhaps a few more added when you know you are likely to be ovulating soon... as motility, or shape/condition of the sperm becomes a factor as well and frequent sex can help in that area if that is the issue of concern. Best to have the sperm ready and waiting for the egg as it is only viable for a short time.
You're right, there is a lot that can effect getting pregnant, timing is just one factor. It can be surprising when you hear of some women getting pregnant without even trying, but then you consider the number who have to try for quite some time for no apparent reason.

[J_9]

I also believe (correct me J9 if I am wrong) that douching can change the ph/acidity in your vagina as well.

Douching should NEVER be done except under a doctor's orders.

[tawnynkids]

Yeah, I was always told that soap and water do just fine but I know that some women still douche.

[J_9]

Douching, while not recommended, can actually help a woman get pregnant as it pushes the sperm up closer to the cervix and into the uterus and fallopian tubes. However, commercial douches should be avoided like the plague as they carry harsh chemicals.

[tawnynkids]

Interesting I did not know that. Thanks J_9 you're a peach!